External Endoscope Mechanism for Contamination-Resistant Bending Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing endoscope bending mechanisms require separate operation for each bending portion, which can be cumbersome and may expose the angle switches to contamination, necessitating a more efficient and contamination-resistant solution for controlling the bending of endoscope tips.
Innovation Solution
An external mechanism for endoscopes that includes a housing case with a drive source, an engagement member for the operation knob, and an operation switch outside the case, allowing for controlled rotation of the bending portions with a dummy switch to activate predetermined functions without direct contact, thus enhancing usability and cleanliness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If angle switches are provided on the side portion of the main body portion for controlling bending portions, then the bending control function is achieved, but the angle switches are exposed to contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
A cover member is introduced as an intermediary component that covers the angle switches while allowing them to be operated. The cover member protects the switches from contamination during use, yet includes openings or structures that enable the user to access and operate the switches without removing the cover, thus resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
2Measurement precision
If separate operation knobs are provided for each bending portion, then precise control of each bending portion is achieved, but the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple operation knobs for different bending portions are merged into a single integrated operation unit. This unified structure allows the user to control multiple bending portions simultaneously or sequentially through one operational interface, reducing the complexity and cumbersomeness of operating separate knobs while maintaining precise control over each bending portion through coordinated mechanical linkages.
Data Source
AI summary
An external mechanism for an endoscope includes: a bending wheel configured to engage with a second UD knob of a second bending operation device provided in an operation portion of an endoscope; a motor portion configured to generate a driving force for rotating the bending wheel; a housing case housing the bending wheel and the motor portion and detachably attached to the operation portion, and an operation switch arranged outside the housing case and configured to output a control signal to the motor portion due to the operating element being operated, in which the operation switch is pivotally supported by the rotation shaft and rotates with respect to the housing case.